September 16, 2003 -
September 18, 2003 - A controversial pharmaceutical drug is destroying lives in northern Minnesota. OxyContin is a powerful narcotic painkiller that's been available since 1995. To cancer patients and chronic pain sufferers, OxyContin is a wonder drug that allows them to lead a more normal life. But OxyContin is highly addictive. And when it's snorted or injected, the drug produces a heroin-like and potentially lethal high. Some law enforcement officials in northern Minnesota say OxyContin abuse has become one of their biggest problems. And it's spreading. Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports... {
September 18, 2003 - A new study out of the Mayo Clinic finds broken arms are on the rise among adolescents. Researchers in Rochester say that, over the last 30 years, forearm fractures have increased 42 percent. Dr. Sundeep Khosla is the author of the study and a professor of medicine in Mayo's department of endocrinology. He says doctors had theorized that more fractures occur during adolescence because bones become more porous during growth spurts. But he says the study indicates there are a variety of reasons why fractures have increased so drastically over the last three decades.
September 19, 2003 -
September 22, 2003 - Valley Middle School in Apple Valley is piloting a program that eliminates the sale of candy and high-sugar beverages in its cafeteria. Thirty other schools in District 196 may soon follow suit, making it the first district in Minnesota to forbid the sale of sweets. Valley Middle's principal, Dave McKeag, says the move is part of an effort to combat childhood obesity rates by emphasizing physical activity and healthy food choices. But he thinks the plan will do more than just improve the waistlines of his 1200 students.
September 23, 2003 - The anguish of childhood cancer has been mitigated in recent years by advances in treatment that make many cancers completely curable. However, a study published tomorrow in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that all the news is not good when it comes to long-term prognosis for victims of childhood cancers. Forty-four percent of adult survivors cite moderate to severe problems with anxiety, pain, and mental health. The nationwide study of more than 20,000 individuals is the largest study of long-term survivors of childhood cancer ever undertaken. Les Robison is a professor of pediatrics at the Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota. He was the lead investigator for the study. He says it's important for cancer survivors to be aware of the long-term consequences of successful cancer treatment.
September 23, 2003 - The Univeristy of Minnesota has hired one the nation's leading stem cell researchers. Doctor Doris Taylor, who is currently at Duke University, will fill an endowed professorship called the Medtronic Bakken (BOK-in) Chair in Cardiovascular repair. University officials say she'll direct research that leverages the school's strengths in medical technology... with work done at the U's Stem Cell Institute... and the Biomedical Engineering Institute. That is Dr. Doris Taylor. Dr. Taylor says she expects to move to Minnesota and begin her work here in about a month.
September 24, 2003 - Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty leads a trade delegation to Montreal this weekend. The trade mission is focused on biotechnology, as the governor tries to promote Minnesota as a place for biotech companies. Pawlenty and other biotech boosters say Minnesota is well poised to compete in the rush for biotech business. Skeptics say the state doesn't have the resources to become a major biotech player. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
September 24, 2003 - Minnesota state government may soon join a growing line of seniors and others crossing into Canada for cheaper prescription drugs. Governor Tim Pawlenty today (WEDNESDAY) announced he'll examine ways to reduce state health care expenses by taking advantage lower-priced medications available in other countries. The move puts him at odds with the Bush administration, which has steadfastly oppposed the importation of drugs, arguing it could expose consumer to unsafe products. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
September 29, 2003 - The state's two largest public employees unions today (MONDAY) overwhelmingly rejected contract proposals that state negotiators have previously called their last, best offers. The votes authorize a strike, but union leaders say they'll delay setting a strike date in order to return to the bargaining table. State officials, however, say there isn't much time left to reach a negotiated deal. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo joins us now from the Capitol. Michael, how does the strike vote change the dynamics? KHOO: The vote certainly gives union leaders a mandate to return to the state and ask for more -- mainly in the way of health benefits. And the margins were impressive. For the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 6, just over 80 percent of those voting cast a "no" vote. AFSCME represents 17,000 mainly clerical, custodial, and maintenance workers who would be eligible to strike. The Minnesota Association of Professional Employees represents 11,000 technicians and skilled specialists. Of those who voted, two-thirds voted "no." AFSCME executive director Peter Benner says the rejections send a clear message. BENNER: We are prepared to strike if we need to. But our first goal is to try to see if we can get the state back to the table and discuss this. KHOO: They hope to resume those discussions sometime this week.